The government also added that the fatalities are marginal.

This presents a glimmer of hope as countries around the world hunker down and prepare for the worst. A South African government statement added that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 may be highly transmissible but has resulted in less hospitalisation than the other three waves.

The government also added that the fatalities are marginal.

The World Health Organization (WHO), however, is not taking any chances as it warns of a "tsunami" of infections from Delta and Omicron variants that could shutdown the potential of global health systems to cope with the virus.

South Africa is sharing a different experience, saying Covid-19 cases and their related hospital admissions are down in provinces across the country.

According to reports coming out of South Africa for the week ending December 25, 2021, the number of confirmed infections stood at 89,781 - down from 127,753 the week before.

This announcement prompted a cabinet meeting which led to a lifting of restrictions regarding the curfew.

As a result, bars will be allowed to sell alcohol under normal licensing rules and so will be allowed to operate late into the night.

Curfew, to varying degrees, has been enforced since a “national state of disaster” was declared in South Africa in late March 2020.

Thereafter, the country recorded about 3.5 million Covid-19 cases and more than 90,000 deaths due to Covid-19.

Despite this comforting news in South Africa, citizens are still being urged to get vaccinated and follow public health protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing.

Public gatherings will stay capped at 1,000 people for indoor events and 2,000 for outdoors events or 50% at venue capacity to allow for social distancing.

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) of South Africa will keep its eyes peeled and ears open to appreciate how the situation evolves, making adjustments if necessary or if hospital pressure increases.